Match book container



April '14, 1942.

D. P. Ross ETAL MATCH BOOK CONTAINER Filed May 28, 1938 ATERALLY Mol/,4 BLE INVENTORS` ATTQRNEYS Jon/v Jos EPH .SHER/DAA/f.

Q@ Don/Am PA//vs Ross.

Patented Apr. 14, 1942 UNTED STATES MATCH BOOK CGNTAINER Donald P. Ross and John J. Sheridan, New York, N. Y.

12 Claims.

This invention relates to match containers and particularly to match containers and units of the match book type.

One object of the invention is a novel and improved match book characterized by its marked advertising and amusement values.

A further object of the invention is a match book having a novel and improved structure and arrangement of cover which substantially enhances the advertising and amusement values of the book without appreciably adding to the cost of production as compared with the cost of conventional books.

Further objects of the invention will hereinafter appear.

For a better understanding of the invention reference may be had to the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a match book illustrating one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a similar view 'of another modification;

Fig. 4 is a similar View of a further modiiication;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a further modication; v

Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a further modication;

Fig. 9 is a perspective View of a further modification; and

Figs. 10 and 11 are views of a further modication.

Referring to Fig. 1 the embodiment of the invention there shown comprises a cover which houses conventional match comb or combs I, there being two such combs shown and these matches comprise the conventional ignition heads 2. The match combs I are fastened to the cover at the edge or ends opposite from the ignition heads 2 by a conventional staple 3.

The cover for the match combs comprises a single strip of paper or the like having a back 4, an end fold 5 adjacent the staple 3, a top fold 6 adjacent the ignition heads 2 of the matches, and a double layer or front portion 1 and 8 formed from the ends of the strip. The end layer 'I of the front cover forms an extension of the fold 5 around the front of the' book and in the particular embodiment shown extends up to the vicinity of the ignition match heads 2A vThe opposite free `end of the strip forms the outer layer 8 for the front cover and extends down toward the fold 5 and the staple 3. This outer cover 8 is formed near the middle thereof with openings I0 and II simulating the eye contours and lip contours respectively of a human characterization, with the contour of the face and hat incorporated on the outer cover 8, as indicated at I2 and I3 respectively. 'Ihe under front cover 'I is provided on the surface thereof and in the vicinity of the eye sockets I0 with eyes I4, and in the vicinity of the mouth and lip contour II with teeth I5, so that by manipulating the outer cover 8 up and down as indicated by the double arrows relatively to the end cover 1 different eye and mouth movements are obtained. Other animated movements may be obtained by a lateral movement of the outer cover 8 with respect to the under cover 1, namely a movement of the eyes from side to side and a corresponding movement of the mouth and by combined sidewise and up and down relative movements between the outer cover 8 and the inner cover I other variations in facial animated movements and expressions are simulated or obtained. 'I'he embodiment of Fig. 1 may be manipulated to simulate the jaw and eye movements and other facial expressions of the figure, the free and unhindered movement of the free end 8 of the cover being utilized in co-operation with the different parts of the face which are displayed on the inner and outer covers 'I and 8 to produce thesev amusing results and attentionattracting movements. For advertising these animated movements thus produced are correlated with any suitable advertising message, as for example, words or a message relating to some article of commerce to be advertised with the igures animated movements making it appear that the words or message are spoken or repeated byV the figure. In this embodiment of Fig. 1 a triangular shaped tab I6 is cut out of the under front cover 'I under which the lower end of the front cover 3 is disposed for holding the front covers I and 8 at `against each other duri-ng the relative movements thereof, above explained, and at I1 is illustrated the conventional irictional means upon which the heads 2 of the matches are scratched for igniting the matches.

In the embodiment of Fig. 3 a rectangular tab I6' is formed from the under front cover 1. In the body of the under cover 'I is disposed the free end of the outer cover 8. The outer cover 8 is thereby guided and held flat against the under front cover 'I for producing the animated movements. Also in this embodiment a part of the lip contour l l' and the lower part of the facial contour l2 are incorporated on the outer surface of the holding and guiding tab I6', so that in this modification parts of the caricature appear on the three surfaces of the main body of the under cover 1, the front cover 8 and the tab I6. In like manner, as described in connection with Fig. 1, a special message to be conveyed is incorporated on the cover, which message is correlated with the animated movements produced by the relative rectilinear or'oscillating movements between the front covers 1 and 8 for the purpose of catching the eye and the attention of the user.

In the embodiment of Fig. 4 the under front cover 1 is formed ofa separate strip of paper from the remainder of the cover and is stapledY in at the bottom by the staple 3 flat against the match combs l. The outer front cover 8 is formed on the outer surface thereof with the upper part of the caricature of a face including the outline of the face 20, the eyes 2| and the upper teeth and mouth 22. This cover has a central lower portion thereof cut out along the curved line indicated at 23 (a part of thefront cover 8 being removed for convenience in illustration) and the under cover 1 is `provided with a co-operating lower part of the face of the caricature at the cut-out portion of the outer cover 8. For example, the lower teeth 24'l are incorporated on the outer surface of the under front cover 1, and by movingthe outer front cover 8 up and down a chewing movement of the jaws is simulated which up-and-down movement, of course, may be combined with a slight sidewise movement. This modification lends itself particularly to the advertising of foods, chewing gums and the like and an advertising message may be incorporated v,on the cover 8 which gives meaning to the animated facial movements thus produced with the result that the advertising message is emphasized by the co-operation of the Arelative movements of" the covers incatching the attention of the user.

This embodiment ofFig. 4 also embodies a loop or catch 25 formed out of the fold 6 and disposed substantially in the plane of the outer cover 8, which is engaged by the nger, as indicated in dotted lines, for imparting the relative movements between the "covers 1 andv 8 and thereby facilitating the production of the animated movements.` The fold 5 is` continued up into the holding and guiding part 5" which engages the lower end of the outer cover 8 and holds it flat against the inner front coi/er1 during the animated movements.

part 26. Thus the users curiosity is immediately aroused as to what he should be sure of instead of the death simulated by `the coiiin and he immediatelyvwithdraws the front cover part 8 to ascertain what the alternative is.

In the embodiment of Fig. 9 the part of the cover of the match book which is composed of a double layer has one correlated ligure 32 cut out of the outer layer to be folded about the line 32 and a correlated illustration 33 appears on the other layer underneath the correlated part 32. In the particular embodiment shown the correlated part 32 is a simulation of a conventional bottle for containing alcoholic drinks and is cut In the embodiments of Figs.' 7 'and s the fold 5 is continued up around in front to a point subvstantially midway the length of the book to form a front cover 26 at one end of the strip which n cooperates with the cover 8 at the other end of the paper strip. The frontrcover part 2.6A has a window21 formed therein and a head 28 of fa reclining person is incorporated l'on the front 65 cover 8 so as to be visible through thiswindow 21, and a coffin 29 is illustrated in juxtaposition to the window so as to give the appearance of a body within a cofn. The front coverl part8 is, for example, provided with an illustration of legend not this appears on the front cover i out on all sides except along the edge 32 whereby it `may be foldedl outwardly or inwardly at will by the user. It normally occupies a position in the plane of the, outer cover and the curiosity of the user is directed to ascertain what is underneath whereupon the user lifts the cut portion 32 about the folded `edge 32. In the particular embodiment shown the correlated illustration is an illustration of a wine or cocktail glass and there is also included an advertising or other message which may be conveniently incorporated on either the outer.` or inner parts of part 32, 'and in addition a further message on`the parts or part 33 not visible through cut 32. The correlated cut-out portion 32 and the correlated illustration -33 may be incorporated on any particular part of the cover desired, front or back,` and inthe particular embodiment shown in Fig. 9 these are shown as incorporated onthe back 4.

In-the embodiments of Figs. 10 and 11 the front cover 8 is provided with an extension35, these two parts being cut away as indicatedy at 36 to leave the two parts'connected only by the narrow neck 31. The extension part 35 is folded back on the front cover 8 and may. through the exible narrow connecting neck 31, be readily given lateral oscillating movementsfrelatively to the front cover 8. The front cover 8 has a window 38 formed therein and is provided with the illustration of a person with the rightelbovcr 39 extending upwardly. Co-operating `with the elbow 39 is the illustration of a hand informed on the outer surface'v of the extension 35 at', the opening 38. This hand 4D' has a thumbf disposed horizontally inthe conventional manner of hitch; hikersiand by relatively oscillating ,the fro'nt cover parts 8 and 35 'the intermediate movementeof the right hand indicating the direction th'le hitcfh hiker desires to go is produced and this animated movement is correlatedwith a suitable fmessag on the cover', as vfor example the one illustrated Going my way "f, the omitted'partto be any vsuitable advertisement or message tobe conveyed. M g

In the modification of Fig. 6 Vthe match book is provided withan under frontcovei` 42 which is stapled to the match combs by the staple 3 at its lower end and at its'upper end is provided with a fold 42" which passes around the ymatch heads 2. The parts 4 and 8 of the cover are joined by a sectionV 43jhaving'slots 44 formed therein, longitudinally of the strip forming the cover parts 4 and 8 and transversely of the match combs 2. The upper edge comprising the parts 4 2', 43'and 44 thus forms a device simulating an electric razor and this simulation is emphasized by the relative lateral oscillating movement of the front cover 8 with respect to the'under cover 42.

Thus in all modifications of the invention above described the advertising and amusement formation 'or message.

value of the 'match 'book `is 'very substantially The invention is applicable'to match book containers of any suitable size, shape or method of retainingor holding matches.

By constructing the match cover Vwith doubleV covers at certainparts thereof -w'hicl'i'are relatively movable andwiththe vwin- "dow or'c'u'tportions in correlation with the other counter partsmultiple conditions attendant'or related to the suitable 'advertising'material 'con- Atained on the match cover are disclosed, o`r two ormore `conditions complying with any desired message or information irrespective of its nature 4*may vbe indicated, or a change 'of design or intelligence is produced beneath the outer surface ofjthe match cover which at vthe same time'is consequent to ror at variance to any desired in- The cut or windowed and correlated surfaces land devices can be varied in form to conform with any desired message or intelligence on'the first or outer surface Vand to correspond with any two or more conditions presented on the second or inner surface of the match cover. If desired, any transparent or opaque substance may be utilized to cover the windows or mask entirely or any part of the cut surfaces. tion between the different parts of the cover may be utilizedr without'departing from the spirit of the invention and the loops 25 of Fig. 4 may be employed on any of the other modifications to facilitate the production of the relative movements, or the parts may be indented, embossed, cut out, adhesively treated or otherwise in a manner to facilitate the Production of the relative motion to obtain the different animated and other movements to convey the messages or changes of condition.

We claim:

1. A match book, containing a match comb enclosed by Va `flexible elongated cover, having on one side thereof an'i'nner and outer cover, said inner and outer covers having counterpart designs or intelligence thereon with openings through the outer cover through Which'the counterpart on the inner cover is visible, said outer cover being universally movable relatively to the inner' cover to produce changes in the design or intelligence as the two parts are moved relatively to each other, and said inner part having a holding tab cut therefrom and engaging the outer cover part to hold it in flat engagement with the inner part during the relative movements.

2. A match book, containing a match comb enclosed by a flexible elongated cover, having on one side thereof an inner and an outer cover, said inner and outer covers having counterpart designs or intelligence thereon with openings through the outer cover through which the counterpart on the inner cover is visible, said outer cover being movable relatively to the inner cover to produce changes in the design or intelligence as the two parts are moved relatively to each other, and said inner part having a holding tab cut therefrom and engaging the outer cover part to hold it in iiat engagement with the inner part during the relative movements, said tab also having a counterpart of said design which cooperates with the counterparts on the inner and outer parts of the cover to produce the animated changes in the design when the parts are moved relatively to each other.

Any means to effect relative mo- 3. `A inatch boek, containing a 'match 'coln'b eh'clsed ljya lflexible elongated COV`er, having on one side thereof an inner andan outer cover, said inner and `outer covers having counterpart designs or 4intelligence thereon vwith openings 'throughthe outer cover ythrough which the counterpart 'on the inner cover is visible, said outer cover being 'movable relatively to the inner cover 'to produce changes in the design or intelligence 'as the 'two parts are moved relatively to each other, 'and said inner part having a holding tab `out therefrom and engaging Ythe outer cover part to hold it in flatengage'ment with the inner part "during Athe relative movements, said outer and inner c'ove'r Iparts being parts of a continuous cover strip 'surrounding the match book.

4. A match book, containing a match comb enclosed by a fiexible elongated cover, having on "one .side thereof an inner and an outer cover,

VYother, and Vsaid cover having a holding part "enga'ging the outer lcover part to hold it in flat engagement with 'the inner part "duringthe rela'- tive'movements said outer cover part having 'a 'tab `formed therefrom and rdisposed substantially inft'he plane thereof for engagement by "the *nger for 'producing the relative movements.

y5. A 'match book, containing a match comb enclosed by a Afleiiildle'elongated cover, having "onione fsid'e thereof an inner and an outer cover, "said inner andmoute'r covers having counterpart :designs "or intelligence thereon With a 'Cltout Zportion on said outer Vcover through which the counterpart of the inner cover is visible, said *outer cover being movable relatively to the inhercover to produce 'changes in the design or :in-

telligenceas the ftw'o parts are `Illo'ved relatively `to eachother, and said inner -part having a `holding tab cut therefrom and engaging the outer cover part to hold it in flat engagement with Vthe inner part during the relative movements.

6. A match book, containing a match comb enclosed by a flexible elongated cover, having on one side thereof an inner and an outer cover, said inner and outer covers having counterpart designs or intelligence thereon with a cut-out portion on said outer cover through which the counterpart of the inner cover is visible, said outer cover being movable relatively to the inner cover to produce changes in the design or intelligence as the two parts are moved relatively to each other, and said inner part having a holding tab cut therefrom and engaging the outer cover part to hold it in flat engagement with the inner part during the relative movements, said tab also having a counterpart of said design which cooperates with the counterparts on the inner `and outer parts of the cover to produce the animated changes in the design when the parts are moved relatively to each other. f

7. A match book, containing a match comb enclosed by a exible elongated cover, having on one side thereof an inner and an outer cover, said inner and outer covers having counterpart designs or intelligence thereon with a cut-out portion on said outer cover through which the counterpart of the inner cover is visible, said outer cover being movable relatively to the `inner cover to produce changes in the design or intelli- `gence ,as'the two parts are moved relatively to each other, and said inner part having a holding tab cutther'efrom andengaging the' outer cover part to hold it in at engagement with the inner partduringthe relativefmovements,said outer Av and innercover partsbeingparts-of a continuous cover `strip surrounding the match book.

8.'Av matchfbook, containingQa match comb' enclosed bya exible elongatedcover, having on` one sidejthereofran inner and an outer cover, said inner and outer `covershaving counterpart designs or intelligence thereon vwith a' cut-out portion'on said outer. vcover through Which the counterpart of the inner cover vis visible,` said louter cover beingmovable relatively to the inner cover to produce changes in the design'or intelligence as theA two parts vare .moved relatively to each other, and lsaid cover having a holding tab part engaging the outer cover part to hold it in flat engagement withthe inner part during the relative'movements, said outer cover part having a .tabformed therefrom and disposed substan- Vtially in the plane thereof for engagement by the nger "for producing the relative movements.

9. Afmatch` book, containing a match Vcomb surrounded by a cover strip, Whose ends overlap to form inner and outer covers on the front part sign or intelligence, including means detachably `holding the outer part flat against the inner part lduring the relative movements but permitting separation thereof to gain access to the match comb -and ready re-attachment `to create a change in design or intelligence.

10. A match book, containing a match comb surrounded by a cover strip, whose ends overlap to form inner and outer covers on the front part thereof said inner part being separable from the .outer part and both of said parts havingcounterpart designs formed thereon with the outer part having a windowed portion throughwhich the l counterpart of the design on thel inner partis visible, said outer part being movable relatively to the inner part for creating a change in design or intelligence including means detachably holding the outer part flat against theinneru part during the relative movements but permitting separation thereof to gain access to lthe match comb and ready re-attachment to create a change in design or intelligence.

11. A match book, of the character set forth containing a match comb enclosed by a cover strip fastened thereto with the ends of thestrip overlapping on the front side of the book 'and the overlapping end adjacent the fastening point being provided with a cut-away and counterparts of a design or intelligence disposed on both otv said overlapping ends with a part of the design or intelligence on one strip beingvisible through said cut-away, said counterpart designs or intelligence being at variance when viewed through the cut-away with the two overlapping ends in normal closing positions and when viewed with the free end out of co-operative relation with the fastened end. Y

12. A match'book, containing a match comb enclosed by a flexible elongated cover,` having on one side thereof an inner and an outercover, said inner and outer covers having counterpart designs or intelligence thereon with a cut-out portion on said outer cover through which the counterpart of the inner cover is visible, said outer cover being laterally movable relatively to the inner cover to produce changes in the design or intelligence as the two parts are moved relatively to each other, and means retaining said inner and outer covers in overlapping relation while being relatively moved to produce the changes in design or intelligence.

JOHN J. SI-IERIDAN.` DONALD P. ROSS. o 

